Mahi and Sailfish

Islamorada Sea Horse Sport Fishing Report
Fishing the edge of the reef is where it is happening. From the sand to 250 feet of water many fish are moving down the edge of the reef. Mostly Mahi, Kingfish, and Sailfish are right behind the bait fish that are migrating south for the winter. This cold front has certainly moved more fish onto the Islamorada area wrecks, and reefs. Many Kingfish, and Sailfish have been caught slow trolling with live Ballyhoo on 20 pound spinning tackle. Some of the Mahi have been caught on the color change; however you will find most of the Mahi are swimming quickly down the edge of the reef. These Mahi are ferocious eating just about any type of bait you through in front of them. If you choose to use live pilchards, ballyhoo, or cigar minnows hold on tight. It is amazing to watch how fast these Mahi react to live bait and gobble them down. Some of the best ways to find the shallow water Mahi are to look for the bait fish jumping out of the water. You will notice bait fish flying out of the water swimming for their lives. The Mahi will rapidly swim under a school of bait fish and chase them to the surface. If you can get your bait in front or near these Mahi it is almost always a hook-up.
Sailfish will chase these baitfish in a similar manner with the exception of the bait will continuously roll out of the water for a long distance. We refer to this feeding behavior as spraying. Spraying bait is an exciting way to identify where a sailfish is feeding. These Sailfish cooperate most of the time when you get a live bait close to them. Sometimes these fish are very focused on the size fish they are feeding on and subsequently will not eat. Your best bet is to present live bait that closely resembles what they are chasing. If you know there is a Sailfish in the area try to chum the Sailfish up with live pilchards. When you notice the fish attacking your chum toss a pilchard out there with a hook in it on and watch what happens.
Forecast: Lots of Mahi still in the area. They may be here for some time if the conditions continue to remain the same. These fish will probably continue to swim their way down the edge of the reef until the water becomes too cold. Sailfish and Kingfish should start to increase in numbers with each approaching front. The reef areas are already becoming very productive for Grouper and Snapper. Bigger Yellow tail, Muttons, and Grey Snapper are becoming easer to catch on the edge of the reef.